A PRODUCT which claims to be able to stop thieves from stealing cars using the owner's keys, has been launched by a Welsh company.

According to the Home Office, more cars are now stolen through key theft, than any other method.

Latest figures show in 85% of car thefts involving cars registered since 1997, thieves used the owners' keys.

But Invisishield, based in Tredomen, says it has produced a new vehicle security system which could put an end to this type of crime.

The Invisishield is made up of a transmitter which is fitted into a secret location in your car, and a fob key.

When the vehicle's engine switches off, the product disables the vehicle and it can only be activated again by holding the fob key against the transmitter, preventing anyone who does not know its secret location from starting the car.

The company claims the system will not only foil opportunist thieves but will also thwart car hijackers and stop children from starting the ignition when left alone in the car.

Invisishield director Barrie Thrussell said, "Car key theft is often the thief's easiest option to steal a vehicle. You may have an excellent security system in your car, but it's worthless if a thief takes your keys - and they are increasingly turning to burglary to do it. Even if the car isn't immediately taken, then it can cost up to £1,000 to change its locks.

"But if the car key and the Invisishield key fob are stolen, then the system can easily be programmed by the driver to ensure they cannot be used by the thief in the future."

The product, which has been developed with support from the Welsh Assembly Government and Finance Wales, is on sale from today in association with RAC and Unipart.

Costing £150, they are made in Bridgend and have to be installed by a trained engineer.

Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Economic Development and Transport, Andrew Davies, described the product's development as a "vote of confidence in the electronic expertise and manufacturing capability of Wales".